A perfect Auckland holiday and weekend away, Great Barrier Island

The perfect Auckland holiday and weekend away, Great Barrier Island. Defining the limit of the Hauraki Gulf, Great Barrier Island Aotea is one of the most tranquil and unspoilt places you will ever find, which makes it perfect for your next weekend away or Auckland vacation. Its golden beaches, crystal clear waters and vast native forests are home to relatively few people. Nature, in all its rugged beauty, is king in this natural Auckland holiday destination. Such is its feeling of splendid isolation; the BBC chose to film its Castaway series here.

From tramping through native forest to sea kayaking around the coves and inlets of the island’s coast, there are endless ways to explore Great Barrier Island in this Auckland holiday adventurer’s paradise. Inland well-formed tracks through the forest will lead you to secluded hot springs, swimming holes, waterfalls and historic kauri dams.

Great Barrier island is also a great place for bird watching, golf, boating, surfing, diving and fishing, especially if you are looking for a weekend away or Auckland holiday away from the big city. There’s a wide range of Great Barrier accommodation on the island. Great Barrier accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to bed and breakfast accommodation, cottages, and backpackers. This Auckland holiday destination has six Department of Conservation campgrounds and two backcountry huts, which enables the natural traveller to experience a more isolated aspect of Great Barrier accommodation. While the nightlife on Great Barrier Island isn’t what usually draws people to Great Barrier, a well-earned drink at the end of the day can be had in the pubs, cafés and bistros on the island.

Great Barrier Island is a perfect weekend away or Auckland vacation, just 90km north east of Auckland in New Zealand, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Great Barrier accommodation in beachfront, seaside, secluded cottages, luxury lodges, backpackers all enable visitors to enjoy Great Barrier Island’s peace and tranquillity. An Auckland vacation bird watcher’s paradise.

Great Barrier Island activities include a network of walking tracks and Mountain Bike trails offering varied opportunities to experience the island’s mature and regenerating native bush. Kayaking, diving, fishing, golf, harbour tours, surfing are just some of the activities available. Rent a Car at Port FitzRoy, Claris, Whangaparapara, Tryphena and take a day to explore the ‘top spots’ on the island. Kaikoura Island, located off the western coast of Great Barrier Island forms the natural harbours of Port FitzRoy and Port Abercrombie and are well worth visiting.

Think Great Barrier Island for your next weekend away or Auckland vacation, experience the organic tranquil paradise that is Barrier.